GOLFER Ron Millington has reached his first finals of a major international tournament - at the age of 92.

The great-grandfather and his playing partner Arthur Hart, 64, amazed crowds at their home club in Dunscar by winning the qualifying round of the International Pairs Tournament.

It means Ron and Arthur will be playing their next game in Perthshire, Scotland, and, if they qualify, the final will be at St Andrew's.

Ron, who began playing golf as a teenager, admitted he was surprised because his eyesight is fading and he has to be driven to the golf course to play. He said: "I've been swinging a club for 75 years and this will be the pinnacle of my career.

"I can't wait to get round the course so I can have a pint of dark mild at the end!"

Stream

The pensioner, who has a handicap of 21, fell in love with golf after watching the great Bobby Jones step into a stream to hit a ball in 1930. He has been playing ever since and had a handicap of just four when he was in his 60s.

Arthur drives him to the club for a game every Saturday - and they always retire to the 19th hole for a pint after each round. Ron said: "Arthur has been a wonderful pal. He's helped me play since my eyes went and I've not been able to drive.

"Golf is a wonderful game. It's nice to win, but I just like taking part. And I always have a nap when I get home after a match."

Arthur is full of praise for his senior partner, who has teed off more times than some younger players have had hot dinners. He said: "Ron's a true gentleman and it's a pleasure to play golf with him.

"We're really looking forward to competing in the finals in Scotland. I've never played there before."

Ross Honey, the tournament's founder, said: "It's fantastic that a pair with a combined age of 156 have made it through to the final stages."